South Africa recalls Israel ambassador

South Africa on Thursday recalled its ambassador to Israel, following the deaths of nine activists on a Gaza-bound boat. The attack happened on Monday on the ship, which was attempting to deliver aid to Gaza

International Relations and Corporation Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim said: "In light of this attack by Israel, the South African Government has decided to recall our Ambassador to Israel, Ismail Coovadia, back to South Africa for consultations".

South Africa is thus far the only country, aside from Turkey, to have taken such a step, despite not being directly involved in the matter.

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies said it was saddened over the deaths and injuries incurred during the Gaza flotilla incident.

However, it said that the government’s decision to temporarily recall its Ambassador to Israel is “premature and inappropriate” as “the relevant facts of the incident are not yet fully known.”

In this regard, the Jewish leadership “expressed its profound disappointment at the decision, as it goes against the South African way of engaging in dialogue.”